Appropriations 2013-2014

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-14-14 and reported out the following bills:

HB 1013: This bill amends the Public School Code to provide for home education programs and require the awarding of high school diplomas. Sen. Hughes offered A10373 that would require 48 hour notice before the School Reform Commission could meet. The amendment failed 12-14 mainly along party lines. Sen. Hughes also offered A10389 that would allow the Secretary of Education to dissolve the School Reform Commission. That amendment also failed along party lines. The bill was reported from committee mainly along party lines.

HB 1067: This bill prohibits any social security cost of living increase from being used to calculate the income level of a person who as of December 31, 2012 was eligible to receive a benefit from the property tax or rent rebate program (PTTR). The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2110: This bill amends the State Lottery Law relating to profit margin, internet instant games and Keno. Sen. Pileggi offered A10368 that clarifies the definitions of internet instant game and keno. The amendment and bill were adopted unanimously.

HB 2234: This bill modernizes Title 15 to allow a business to make a direct conversion to a different entity form without having to first dissolve. The bill also consolidates a set of provisions to permit four kinds of transactions regardless of the form of business. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2481: This bill authorizes the State Treasurer to enter into contracts with other states to process their supplemental social security payments. Sen. Corman offered A9879 that makes technical changes and expands reporting requirements. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-8-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1440: Amends the State System of Higher Education Intellectual Property Act to authorize state-owned universities and its employees to enter into economic development agreements. Sen. Tomlinson offered A10207 that modifies the title of the act and repeals inconsistent provisions. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 91: Amends the Educational Improvement Tax Credit to expand the list of eligible schools to include career and technical schools. Sen. Pileggi offered A10169 that combines the EITC and EOSTC tax credit programs into one article in the Tax Reform Code and makes changes intended to improve implementation and usage of these programs, the amendment was agreed to unanimously. Sen. Argall offered A10153 that amends the definition of contract authority to permit a CRIZ pilot in a borough or township, the amendment was agreed to unanimously. Sen. Blake offered A10249 that would include Scranton and Harrisburg, the amendment failed 10-16 along party lines. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 435: Amends Title 23 further providing for clearances, mandated reporting and other reports. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1655: Creates the Patient-Centered Medical Home Advisory Council Act. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2178: Amends Title 30 (Fish & Boat Code) and 34 (Game Code) to provide that Wildlife Conservation Officers and Waterway Conservation Officers meet the definition of “law enforcement officers” under the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act, to allow for the use of body cameras in the performance of their duties. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2354: Requires the approval of both Houses of the General Assembly before a green house gas reduction plan can be submitted to the EPA. Sen. Rafferty offered A10252 that requires public hearings by standing committees, changes DEP requirements if resolution disapproved and assures EPA requirements for submission of the state plan are met by DEP, the amendment was adopted 14-12. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2377: Exempts the payment of certain taxes and fees for out of state business and employees during a declared disaster emergency. Sen. Mensch offered A10276 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-7-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1441: This bill modernizes the licensing of bail bondsmen by discontinuing separate licensure for professional and surety bondsmen. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-6-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 476: This bill creates the Correctional Officers Investigation Procedure Act to establish guidelines and procedures during investigations of correctional officers by the Department of Corrections. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1310: The bill creates a 17 member advisory council to assist the Secretary of DEP in all matters pertaining to shallow well oil drilling. Sen. Hughes offered A9939 that changes the composition of the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council members. The amendment was defeated along party lines and the bill was reported from committee.

SB 1361: The bill establishes the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to provide scholarships in order to defray the higher education costs for Pennsylvania residents. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 201: This bill prohibits a former employee of any company participating in a procurement bid process from being involved in the evaluation of bids. The bill further prohibits businesses from receiving commonwealth contracts if they are engaged in other business with the Government of Iran. Sen. Corman offered A9370 that provides exceptions for existing business agreements and contracts and makes technical changes. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 764: This bill 764 creates a new crime of “online impersonation” and provides for a private cause of action for damages for victims. Sen. Pileggi offered A9960 that provides for the modernization and reform of the Administration, Application and Use of the PA State DNA Database. The amendment and bill were reported from committee.

HB 803: This bill 764 creates a new crime of “online impersonation” and provides for a private cause of action for damages for victims. Sen. Corman offered A9834 that adds Certified registered Nurse Practitioner to authorized prescribers. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1363: This bill amends the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act passed in 2008 to encourage private investment in efforts to remediate blight. This bill focuses on expediting the process for conservatorship in the courts and encouraging non-profit participation. Sen. Argall offered A3885 that provides for a more specific definition of a “conservator’s or developer’s fee” with regard to the costs of rehabilitation of abandoned and blighted property. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1543: The bill amends the Consumer Protection Act making the restricted receipts account a continuing appropriation. Currently it is subject to annual appropriation. Sen. Corman offered A9828 that deletes provisions of the bill that would eliminate the general Assembly’s authority to annually appropriate monies from the Home Improvement Account to the Office of Attorney General. The amendment and bill were reported from committee.

HB 1550: This legislation consolidates five existing business financing programs under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and makes some program changes. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1816: This bill amends the Public School Code to allow for continuing professional development in manufacturing and establishes requirements for the satisfactory completion of a basic skills assessment for baccalaureate teacher preparation programs. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2204: This bill amends the Early Intervention Services Act to add homeless infants and toddlers to the list of eligible children for these services in the commonwealth. The bill was reported unanimously. A motion was made to revert to the prior printer’s number; this would remove the $640,000 appropriation to the Department. The motion and bill were reported from committee.

HB 2420: This bill lowers the limitation on Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) debt obligations by $50 million each year, beginning July 1, 2018 and each year thereafter, until the debt ceiling equals $2.95 billion. Sen. Scarnati offered A9981 that provides for CFA approval of RACP projects. Sen. Pileggi offered A10002 that would require applicants to report any political contributions and that lobbyists working on behalf of an applicant cannot be paid on a contingent fee basis. The amendment and bill were reported from committee.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-23-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1182: This bill provides for permitted use of medical cannabis to treat various medical conditions. Sen. Argall offered A9728 which is an omnibus amendment . The amendment was adopted 23-3. Sen. Smucker offered A9644 that would change the effective date after a further study on the effects of medical cannabis was done by certain PA hospitals. The amendment was defeated 5-21. The bill was reported from committee by a vote of 21-5.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-22-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1268: This bill 1268 creates a freestanding act to be known as the Navigator and Accessibility and Regulation Act, requiring state registration and compliance with outlined requirements for navigators and/or exchange assisters operating in the commonwealth. Sen. Eichelberger offered A9405 that woill make technical changes, The amendment was adopted unanimously. Sen. Hughes offered A9667 that would change the effective date until the establishment of a Commonwealth health exchange. The amendment failed 10-16 along party lines. The bill was reported out committee 16-10 along party lines.

SB 1432: This bill amends the Insurance Company Law of 1921 adding Article X-B – Fairness in Multiple Copayments. Specifically, the article limits the imposition of multiple copayments for licensed physical therapy, chiropractic and occupational therapy services (as defined by this act). Sen. Farnese offered A9679 that would exempt copayments for any related breast health surgical procedures. The amendment was adopted 23-3 and the bill was reported 26-0.

HB 1590: This legislation amends the Local Tax Collection Act to mandate a certification program for tax collectors that they must satisfactorily complete before taking the oath of office. It also requires a criminal background check for anyone running for the office of tax collector or placed on the ballot through a write-in campaign, provides for the submission of property taxes and requires a tax collector to name a designee in the event the collector becomes incapacitated. Except for the requirement to appoint a designee, all other provisions of the act take effect in one year. Sen. Corman offered A9598 that provides for the designation of a PA Qualified Municipal Collector and removes mandatory general fund appropriation language and replaces it with a recommended appropriation provision. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1672: This bill creates a process to test new green building technology for Commonwealth agencies or buildings to be overseen by the Department of General Services. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1702: This bill creates a freestanding “Pennsylvania Community Adult Respite Services Act” which authorizes the Department of Aging to license and inspect community adult respite service programs. Sen. Corman offered A9385 the deletes the legislative findings section of the bill. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-15-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 720: This bill creates a statewide disaster assistance program for events that fall short of the threshold for federal assistance. Sen. Baker offered A9455 that deletes provisions of the bill relating to the program for individuals and clarifies funding provisions. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 838: This bill allows fourth class counties to increase the hotel tax from 3% to not more than 5%. Sen. Solobay offered A9469 that would allow for the expansion of hotel taxes in additional local jurisdictions. The amendment and bill were reported 25-1.

SB 850: The bill establishes, defines and amends practices and procedures for hospitals, coroners, families and individuals regarding the donation of anatomical gifts. Sen. Greenleaf offered A9430 which is an omnibus amendment. The amendment was adopted 23-3 and the bill was reported 19-7.

SB 1129: This bill changes the name of the “Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension” to the “Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans’ Pension” and expands eligibility for the program. Sen. Mensch offered A7994 which updates cross references to the Consolidated Federal Register. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1210: The bill reforms and modernizes the Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act and provides for an additional funding mechanism under the act.
Sen. Pileggi offered A7994 which establishes a pilot program for TRID expansions. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 7-1-14 and reported out the following bills:

All amendments and bills were reported unanimously.

SB 903: This legislation reforms the Local Government Unit Debt Act as it pertains to the issuance of qualified interest rate management agreements, commonly known as “swaps” or “derivatives.” Sen. Eichelberger offered A6470 which would make technical amendments and clarifies that the bill does not apply to 1st class cities (Philadlephia).

SB 904: This legislation places certain restrictions on the use of interest rate management agreements (more commonly known as Swaps) for cities of the first class. Sen. Hughes offered A6628 which adds a definition of contracting authority and substitutes it for the phrase 1st class city or county throughout the bill.

SB 1189: This bill limits the types of financial security required to be furnished to the contracting body by prime contractors prior to performing any work exceeding $10,000.

HB 993: Amends the Public Welfare Code, changing the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services, as well as providing for a transition period. Sen. Scarnati offered A9076 which establishes a toll-free fraud tip line.

HB 1773: This legislation revises the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act in order to make it more effective in bringing distressed municipalities back to firm financial footing and provides for the disincorporation of municipalities deemed to be non-viable.

HB 2169: This bill amends Title 34 (Game) to reauthorizes the Special Elk Conservation License and creates a new second license to be utilized by the Pennsylvania based non-profit elk organization that manages the Elk Country Visitor Center in Pennsylvania.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-30-14 and reported out the following bills:

HB 278: This bill Amends the Fiscal Code, further providing, in general budget implementation for the Department of Public Welfare. Sen. Corman offered A9043 which is the omnibus fiscal code bill that will implement the 2014-15 budget. The amendment and bill were reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2244: The bill is a supplement to the Highway-Railroad and Highway-Bridge Capital Budget Act for 1982-1983, Act 235 of 1982. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-29-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 444: This legislation makes multiple changes to the Right-to-Know Law. Sen. Pileggi offered A7931 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 922: This bill amends pension acts for both state employees and school employees to enroll all employees hired after July 1, 2015 for PSERS and January 1, 2015 for SERS into a defined contribution (DC) retirement plan. Sen. Scarnati offered A8126 which would create a defined contribution plan for state elected officials. The amendment was adopted unanimously. Sen. Blake offered A8571 which would create a pension reform task force. The amendment was adopted unanimously. Sen. Blake offered A8491 which would require the Commonwealth meet the statutory funding obligation. The amendment was defeated 10-16. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1423: This bill extends Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) to include “heavy duty trucks” as eligible for the program. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 473: Amends the Mechanics’ Lien Law to create a State Construction Notices Directory for use by owners and contractors in order to provide a system whereby [property] owners can identify subcontractors working on their construction projects. Sen. Corman offered A8083 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1337: The legislation amends Title 42, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure for the purposes of providing for a surcharge to be deposited into the Access to Justice Account. Sen. Corman offered A8839 which is technical. The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 25-1.

HB 2328: General Appropriations bill that would appropriate the $27.8 billion for the 2014-15 fiscal year. It spends $300 million less than was proposed by the Governor for fiscal year 2014-15. Sen. Corman offered A8932 which is the negotiated Senate and House Republican budget. The amendment was adopted 16-10 along party lines. Sen. Costa offered A8797 which would restore $6.8 million for the arts. Sen Schwank offered A8801 which would add $28 Million for social services. Sen. Washington offered A8813 which would provide the expansion of Medicaid. Sen. Solobay offered A8821 that would add $38 million for DCED. The Democratic amendments were all tabled by Sen. Corman’s motion 16-10.

HB 2334: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the Pennsylvania State University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines. Sen. Corman offered A8835 which would add $2 million for the PA College of Technology. The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2335: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the University of Pittsburgh for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2336: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to Temple University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2337: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to Lincoln University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2338: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the University of Pennsylvania for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-27-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 901: This bill amends the Local Government Unit Debt Act (LGUDA) under Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which addresses indebtedness and borrowing for units of local government, and further provides for classification and authority to issue bonds and notes. Sen. Eichelberger offered A7700 which makes technical amendments, provides for duties of participants and changes the definition of fiduciary duty to comport to state and federal law. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 902: SB 902, which is a companion bill to SB 901 amends Titles 53 (Municipalities Generally) and 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for money of authority, for competition in award of contracts and for investigations by commission. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 927: Establishes requirements for the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) distribution of Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) to existing local Community Action Agencies (CAA).

HB 1772: The legislation amends the Deputy Sheriffs’ Education and Training Act to include elected and appointed sheriffs under the regulation of the act. Sen. Pileggi made a motion to revert to the prior printer’s number. The motion was agredd to and the bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2334: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the Pennsylvania State University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2335: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the University of Pittsburgh for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2336: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to Temple University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2337: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to Lincoln University for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 2338: This is the Commonwealth’s non-preferred appropriation to the University of Pennsylvania for fiscal year 2014-2015. It will take effect July 1, 2014, or immediately, whichever is later. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

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The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-26-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 819: Amends the Pharmacy Act to allow pharmacists to administer influenza vaccinations to children over the age of 7 with accompanying parental consent. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1188: This bill dissolves the horse and harness racing commissions and places the oversight and establishes the function of regulatory oversight of the racing industry within the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Sen. Vogel offered A8092 which is an agreed to omnibus amendment. He also offered A8347 which makes technical changes. Sen. Hughes offered A8452 that will clarify the terms of the appointees and also clarifies provisions relating to transfer of employees. The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 272: The bill creates a “Restricted Faculty License,” which is defined as a license granted to an individual for the limited purpose of teaching, including clinical teaching, in dental school or advanced dental education program as a faculty member at an accredited dental school in this Commonwealth. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2280: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for operations. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2281: Provides for appropriations from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and to the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2282: The legislation makes an appropriation from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to support the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2283: This bill appropriates $5,165,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) in the Office of Attorney General. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2284: Appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the Public School Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2285: Appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2286: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and the Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2287: The legislation makes an appropriation of $64,571,000 from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Public Utility Commission for general government operations for the fiscal year July, 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. The appropriation of federal funds is $3,785,000. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2288: This bill appropriates the total sum of $71,639,000 from the State Gaming Fund and restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of Attorney General for costs related to oversight of the gaming industry for FY 2014-15. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2328: General Appropriations bill that would appropriate the $27.8 billion for the 2014-15 fiscal year. It spends $300 million less than was proposed by the Governor for fiscal year 2014-15. The bill was reported 16-10 along straight party lines.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-17-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 405: This bill amends the Generic Equivalent Drug Law to allow for the substitution of an interchangeable biosimilar product for a brand name biological product. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1431: This is a General Appropriations bill that would appropriate the amounts contained in the current year’s budget. It spends $997 million less than was proposed by the Governor for fiscal year 2014-15. The bill was reported 16-10 along party lines.

HB 46: This bill reinstates the Organ and Bone Marrow Donors tax credit by repealing the sunset date. Sen. Corman offered A7776 that would reenact the organ and bone marrow donor tax credit in the tax code. The amendment and beill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-16-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 927: This bill reenacts and amends the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Act of 2002 to extend the expiration of the act and modify the minimum funding allocations to existing local Community Action Agencies. Sen. Pileggi offereA7712 that simplifies the program in the fiscal code. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1337: The legislation amends Title 42, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure for the purposes of providing for a surcharge to be deposited into the Access to Justice Account. Sen. Corman offered A7663 that makes technical changes and extends the sunset date on a Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account judicial surcharge. The amendment was agreed to and the bill was reported 25-1.

HB 1013: House Bill 2013 amends the Public School Code to provide for temporary vacancies for school board members in the United States military or naval forces called to active duty. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-10-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1383: This legislation provides capital authorization for the restoration, rehabilitation, or replacement of state-owned bridges and bridges owned by counties and municipalities. Sen. Rafferty offered A7542 that provides for the authorization of additional projects. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1384: This bill is the Highway Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2014-15 and provides capital authorization for the construction of state-owned highways. Sen. Rafferty offered A7539 that authorizes additional state-owned, county and municipal bridges. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-9-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 324: This bill is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth to reduce the size of the state Senate, abolish the office of Lieutenant Governor, and reduce the size of both the state Supreme Court and Superior Court. Sen. Pileggi offered A7508 which is technical. The amendment was agreed to. Sen. Blake offered A7398 which would rename, change legislative appointees and require citzen input to the Legislative Reapportionment commission. The amendment failed 11-5. Sen. Pileggi also made amotion to split the bill and take three separate votes on reduction of Senate, eliminate the Lt. Governor position and reduction of judges. After lengthy debate and concerns from members of both sides of the aisle, the motion was pulled. The bill was passed from committee 18-8.

SB 621: The legislation amends the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code (Probate Code), Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, including the consolidation of the Charitable Instruments Act of 1971 into the Probate Code. Sen. Greenleaf offered A7540 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1155: The bill creates a 13 member advisory board to assist the Secretary of DEP in all matters pertaining to surface mining. Sen. Scarnati offered A7410 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1253: Senate Bill 1253 amends Title 37 (Historical and Museums) to modernize and update the History Code, by further providing for certain powers and duties of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), and by providing for public disclosure of older public records in the State Archives. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1389: Senate bill 1389 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1390: Senate bill 1390 appropriates the Governor’s requested amount to fund the administrative costs of the Public School Retirement System (PSERS) for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1391: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for operations. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1392: House Bill 1392 provides for appropriations from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and to the Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1393: The legislation makes an appropriation to support the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

SB 1394: This bill appropriates $5,165,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) in the Office of Attorney General. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1395: The legislation makes an appropriation of $64,571,000 from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Public Utility Commission for general government operations for the fiscal year July, 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. The appropriation of federal funds is $3,785,000. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1396: This bill appropriates the total sum of $71,639,000 from the State Gaming Fund and restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Office of Attorney General for costs related to oversight of the gaming industry for FY 2014-15. Sen. Corman offered A7417 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1397: This legislation would make an appropriation from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund and the Philadelphia Taxicab Medallion Fund to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 43: House Bill 43 amends the act of December 4, 1996, known as the Volunteer Health Services Act, to include providing mental health services to military, families of military members, and those who qualify for services under the act. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1420: House Bill 1420 directs the Department of Health (DOH) to require a birthing facility to perform screening for CHD using pulse oximetry prior to a newborn’s discharge. A birthing facility is defined as an inpatient or ambulatory health care facility licensed by DOH that provides birthing and newborn care services. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-2-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 803: This bill amends Act 511, the local tax enabling act, to exempt from taxation for active military service earned within the commonwealth. Sen. Baker offer A6924 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1023: Amends the Construction Code to further provide for the process by which updates to the PA Construction code are adopted by the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council. Sen. Gordner offered A7203 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 119: The bill directs the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health (DOH), in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, to establish an emergency services memorial flag. The bill specifies that DOH shall maintain the official flag, implement the provisions of the act, and oversee the production, acquisition and distribution of the flag. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 128: The bill removes a requirement that to purchase military time a Scranton city firefighter or policeman must have become employed by the city of Scranton within three years from their discharge date. This provision is unnecessarily restrictive for employees. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 198: This bill establishes the Dyslexia and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot Program to provide evidence-based early screening and multitier support systems for students with potential risk factors for early reading deficiencies and dyslexia. Sen. Corman offered A6924 which clarifies the department can use appropriations or other available funds to fund the pilot program. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1460: The bill amends Title 51 (Military Affairs) to require an educational institution to give a military member or the member’s spouse an “M” or the word “Military” on their graded transcript for all classes they were unable to complete due to a military leave of absence. Sen. Pileggi offered A7731 which would require the PA Dept of Military and Veterans Affairs create a searchable database of Medal of Honor recipients. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 1738: The bill provides for a Basic Education Funding Commission to review and make recommendations related to basic education funding.

HB 2081: This bill amends the Workers Compensation Act to exclude from the act workers who are covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the federal Merchant Marine Act. Sen. Hughes offered A7114 that provides that the commission may consider whether there is sufficient funding for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education when developing a funding formula. The amendment was defeated 11-14. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 2081: House Bill 2081 amends the Workers Compensation Act to exclude from the act workers who are covered by the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and the federal Merchant Marine Act. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-28-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1180: The legislation establishes the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program (“ABC-MAP” or “Program”) which expands the monitoring of Level II controlled substances to Level V controlled substances. The duties of monitoring will be divided between the Attorney General’s office and Department of Health dependent upon each office’s accessibility to prescription information. Sen. Vance offered A6781 which add additional patient projects. The amendment was agreed to and the bill was reported 25-1.

SB 1194: This legislation amends the Public School Code to authorize schools that are located within a municipality where there is no municipal police department to enter into a cooperative police service agreement with a municipality, located adjacent to the school, that provides full-time police coverage. Sen. Scarnati offered A6796 that allows conveyance of school district lands to a municipal authority and provides for nonpublic schools to hire police officers through vendors approved to receive grants by the office of state schools. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1316: The bill provides for special education funding to school districts, charter schools, cyber charter schools and approved private schools. This legislation is based on the recommendations of the Special Education Funding Commission. Se. Corman offered A6771 that would ensure the calculation of special education student cost is based on total expenditures and extends the phase in of the new charter school funding formula from three years to six years.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-7-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1267: The legislation extends the date of expiration of the Health Care Cost Containment Act to June 30 2017. Sen. Vance offered A6532 that will remove obsolete provisions regarding a report by LBFC. The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

HB 1164: The bill would require all Community Colleges, State-Related Universities and State-Owned Universities in the Commonwealth to provide students with course scheduling preference who are military veterans discharged or released from military service under conditions other than dishonorable. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1259: This bill creates the Indoor Tanning Regulation Act to provide standards and oversight of tanning facilities. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-31-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1237: This legislation would create a free-standing act known as the “Natural Gas Lease Anti-Retaliation Act.” The bill was reported 24-1.

SB 1238: This legislation enacts the “Oil and Gas Lease Surrender Act.” Sen. Corman offered A6387 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 974: This bill amends the Public School Code to establish an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program to assist school entities and nonpublic schools in making AEDs available in school buildings. Sen. Corman offered A6298 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-17-14 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.

SB 491: This bill amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to make it easier to file and pay estimated taxes for net profits income and further simplifies the process for taxpayers who are in the business of farming. Sen. Corman offered A6023 which is technical.

SB 1037: The bill allows the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to repeal provisions that require specially formulated gasoline to reduce ozone in Alleghany and Beaver Counties. The bill also repeals the requirement that DEP implement vapor recapture systems on all gas pumps.

SB 1096: This bill would clarify that a property owner shall be reimbursed up to $4,000 per property that is acquired through eminent domain. Currently, each owner of real property is reimbursed up to $4,000. Sen. Corman offered A5953 which is technical.

SB 1281: The bill provides school districts, intermediate units and area vocational-technical schools with additional options to make up snow days during the weather emergency of 2014.

HB 316: This legislation would declare the importance of having Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) in the commonwealth. It would define CAC and a multidisciplinary team as they are in Chapter 63 of Title 23. This legislation is based on the November, 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. Sen. Mensch offered A6055 which is technical.

HB 434: This bill amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to eliminate the separate reporting requirements of suspected child abuse by school employees. The legislation is based on the November, 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012.

HB 1513: This bill amends the Local Tax Enabling Act to site business activities for the business privilege tax at either the local jurisdiction in which the business is located or the jurisdiction in which the work was done, if certain criteria are met. This will avoid double taxation between local jurisdictions.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-10-14 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.

SB 874: This bill amends the Public School Code to provide school districts that sponsor community colleges more flexibility in the amount they contribute toward their community college’s annual operating costs and annual capital expenses.

SB 1197: The legislation provides for the expungement of records for summary offenses after 30 days upon motion by the court, child or guardian for a juvenile. The expungement is permitted where the offense was committed when the person was less than 18 years of age and satisfied all the terms and conditions of the sentence. Sen. Greenleaf offered A5898 which is technical.

HB 770: Creates an Appalachian Train Conservancy special vehicle registration plate and makes several personal registration plates. Sen. Corman offered A5938 which is technical. Sen. Rafferty offered A5912 that clarifies the maximum posted speed limit o a limited access highway and the timeframe an oversized and overweight vehicle may travel under a permit.

HB 1236: Requires a seller of a mobile or manufactured home that has been anchored to the ground to obtain a tax status certification prior to transferring ownership of the home.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-29-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 771: The bill amends the Administrative Code to create the Geospatial Coordinating Board. The board will be an advisory board within the Governor’s Office of Administration to provide advice and recommendations to the Governor on geospatial issues, uniform data standards and the coordination and efficiency of geospatial policy and technologies among federal, state and local government agencies, academic institutions and the private sector. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 374: The bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to further define “police department” and “police officer” so that county park officers are subject to education and training requirements. The bill further provides for reimbursement of expenses and for payment of certain county costs. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 777: This bill amends the State Lottery Law to further define the term “income” and to allow for continued eligibility for individuals enrolled in the PACE and PACENET program. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-27-14 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.

SB 807: The bill amends the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act by creating a voluntary license for a bachelor of social work.

SB 1000: This act provides for the establishment of a rural regional community college in a multicounty rural area that is underserved by comprehensive community college education and work force development.

SB 1187: The bill amends the Vehicle to provide for a special registration plate for recipients of the Combat Infantry Badge. Sen. Corman offered A5276 that would provide for a PA Hunting Heritage license plate, expand the list of veterans authorized to apply for their own specialty plate, establish the Pa Hunting Heritage Fund and change the effective date.

SB 1205: This bill will allow private non-profit institutions with the authority to confer bachelor’s degrees to change their designation from “college” to “university. Sen. Corman offered A5277 that allows institutions offering a specialized type of educational program, like a medical college, to change its designation from college to university.

HB 164: The legislation makes the “possession of animal fighting paraphernalia” a third degree misdemeanor.

HB 1559: This bill provides for Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Education for professional educators in school buildings serving students in grades 6-12. Sen. Corman offered A5291 that revises implementation and effective dates and makes other technical changes.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 1-13-14 and reported out the following bills:

SB 411: Allows DEP to utilize the current review process in place for the approval of other acid mine drainage projects. The bill was reported 16-9.

SB 1045: Amends the Securities Act to make updates and clarifications necessitated by the merger of the Securities Commission into the Department of Banking. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 261: Provides the 29 licensing boards and commissions within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs with additional authority to assist in collecting unpaid fines. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1056: Provides for the issuance of temporary volunteer dental licenses by the State Board of Dentistry. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-9-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 75: The legislation comprehensively amends several areas as related to the law on human trafficking. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 622: This bill defines and grants the authority to the Banking and Securities Department to regulate debt settlement companies. Sen. Hughes offered A4881 that removes references to payday lending. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 1195: This legislation amends the Workers’ Compensation Act, providing for a transfer to the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF), new filing/eligibility requirements, penalties, restitution, and authority of the Secretary over the fund. Most importantly, this legislation will provide for a $4 million transfer from the Workers’ Compensation Administrative Fund to replenish the UEGF, which is currently under-funded. Sen. Blake offered A4868 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 414: The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) and Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) regarding court access to records related to child abuse for custody proceedings. The legislation is based on the November, 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. Sen. Washington offered A4852 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 726: The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) regarding the definition of child abuse in the Child Protective Services Law and further provides for exclusions. The legislation is based on the November, 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1424: This bill amends the Public School Code to provide for holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations instruction. Sen. Rafferty offered A4937 which would make the curriculum mandatory. The amendment was adopted 22-3 and the bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1523: This bill amends the Open Space law (Act 442 of 1967) to authorize a local government unit, other than a county or county authority, to use open space tax revenue for additional purposes and provide for a method of repeal. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1644: This legislation amends the Municipal Authorities Act to permit additional adjustments in the assessment imposed by a business improvement district authority. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1706: This bill increases loan amounts for the Firefighters’ Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP). The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 12-3-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 707: This bill will allow firefighter relief associations to pay for EMS training. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 814: The bill amends the Board of Vehicles Act pertaining to the sales of recreational vehicles at shows in the Commonwealth and the bill further defines out-of-state recreational vehicle dealers. Sen. Gordner offered A4527 which is technical. The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

SB 990: The bill amends the Acupuncture Licensure Act by enabling an acupuncturist to perform acupuncture on a person without a medical diagnosis from a licensed physician, dentist or podiatrist if the person does not present symptoms of a condition. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 321: The legislation amends Titles 18, Crimes and Offenses and 42, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, regarding multiple offenses for the sexual abuse of children. This legislation is based on the November 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 431: The legislation requires any licensing board with jurisdiction over professional licensees identified as mandated reporters to require all license/certification applicants to submit documentation of at least three hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training. This legislation is based on the November 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 546: This bill amends the Second Class County pension law to create a reduced benefit system for employees hired after the effective date. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-19-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1085: This bill amends the Public School Code to make extensive changes concerning charter schools. Sen. Smucker offered A4716 that is an omnibus amendment. The amendment was adopted 16-10. Sen. Hughes offered A4316 that exempts the Philadelphia school district from direct pay and the higher education authorizer, the amendment failed 11-15. Sen. Schwank offered A4318 that allows for voluntary enrollment caps to be negotiated statewide, the amendment was defeated 11-15. Sen. Hughes offered A4320 that eliminates the governing board of an institution of higher education as a charter and regional charter school authorizer, the amendment failed 13-13. Sen. Costa offered A4507 that requires a charter school entity to enforce existing truancy laws, the amendment failed 12-14. The bill was reported 15-11.

SB 1181: The bill provides for a $5,000,000 transfer from the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund to the State Racing Fund to fund the operations of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission and the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission for the remainder of FY 2013-14. The transfer will be made on a weekly basis in the amount of $250,000. Sen. Corman offered A1181 that would suspend racing fund blanace transfer for FY 2-13-14. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-18-13 and reported out the following bills:

All amendments and bills were reported unanimously.

SB 267: Permits a school district to excuse a student from school attendance for participation in a non-school-district sponsored education trip consistent with State Board of Education regulations. Sen. Corman offered A4493 that provides for a program to assist schools in making automatic defibrillators available.

SB 703: Removes the 3 year time limit within which a member of police and firemen’s pension system in a city of the second class A (Scranton) must commence employment with the city following military service in order to be eligible to purchase credit for non-intervening military service.

SB 704: Removes the 3 year time limit within which a member of the pension system in a city of the second class A (Scranton) must commence employment with the city following military service in order to be eligible to purchase credit for non-intervening military service.

SB 923: This bill extends both the MFRAP tax refund check-off and the MFRAP program itself, which is set to expire on June 30, 2016. It also expands the program’s eligibility criteria because the current guidelines are so narrowly drawn that participation is limited.

HB 1225: The legislation amends Title 45, Legal Notices, of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes authorizing the Local Government Commission to publish local government codes on its website.

HB 1425: This bill is a free standing act known as the Higher Education Eligibility Act. It recognizes certain schools and authorizes them to operate as educational institutes for purposes of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The schools will admit only those who are beyond the age for high school or have a high school diploma or GED. Sen. Corman offered A4520 which is technical.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 11-12-13 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported from committee unanimously.

SB 403: This bill would authorize the awarding of grants to medical school residents in exchange for their service in the National Guard, to help attract and retain more physicians in the Guard. Sen. Corman offered A4261 that provides that funding shall be made by an annual appropriation.

SB 1040: The bill allows for insurance cards to be electronic, as well as allow a lower deductible for bodily injury in a motor vehicle insurance policy.

SB 1115: The bill clarifies that federal tuition assistance grants must be taken into consideration before state educational funds are used under the Educational Assistance Program.

HB 668: This bill amends the Second Class Township Code to provide second class townships to purchase used equipment from another governmental unit without advertising and bidding.

HB 669: This bill amends the First Class Township Code to provide second class townships to purchase used equipment from another governmental unit without advertising and bidding.

HB 1060: This bill allows for purchase of a vertical plate to be displayed on motorcycles’.

HB 1439: The bill exempts “high tunnels” from local government’s property taxes. A high tunnel is defined in the bill as a temporary covered agricultural structure. Sen. Vogel offered A4195 which is technical.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-22-13 and reported out the following bills:

HB 290: This bill amends the Small Games of Chance act to raise the prize limits, allow for more drawings, different types of games, and more organizations eligible to hold games. Sen. Vulakovich offered an omnibus amendment with agreed to language. The amendment was adopted 25-1. Sen. Solobay offered A 4027 that would allow clubs to offer monthly drawings. The amendment was defeated 10-16. The bill was reported from committee 22-4.

HB 1098: The bill will create a license that will allow taverns to operate small games of chance to award an amount up to $35,000 per week. This legislation adds Chapter 9 to the act to authorize small games of chance at taverns licensed by the Liquor Control Board. These games are limited to pull tabs and raffles. Sen. Vulakovich offered an omnibus amendment with agreed to language. The amendment was adopted 25-1. Sen. Corman offered a technical amendment that was agreed to. Sen. Hughes offered A4194 that would put proceeds into the lottery fund beginning in fy 2014-5. The amendment failed 10-16. Sen. Solobay offered A4025 that would change reporting limits from $30,000 to $75000. The amendment failed 10-16. Sen. Solobay offered A4026 that would change the split from 60/40 to 50/50. The amendment failed 10-16. The was reported from committee 22-4.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-21-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 81: Authorizes the issuance of mental health volunteer licenses to providers of mental health services for military families. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 390: The bill requires a city of the first class to utilize the financial condition or age or both as the criteria to award property tax relief for tax years 2014 through 2023. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1128: The bill adapts the Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act and the Goods and Services Installment Sales Act to Federal law. The bill also modernizes the two acts. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 10-15-13 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported unanimously.

SB 24: The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) Child Protective Services Law to provide for the establishment of a statewide database of protective services and procedures regarding the electronic reporting of suspected child abuse. Sen. Vulakovich offered A3876 which is technical.

SB 497: This legislation recodifies the Third Class City Code by removing obsolete sections, incorporating and updating pertinent language, consolidating common subjects and adding some language that had been part of the last significant recodifications almost 60 years ago.

SB 1116: The legislation amends Title 23, Domestic Relations, and the Child Protective Services Law to clarify what actions the county must take for the prevention, investigation and treatment of child abuse and the investigation of reports. This legislation is based on the November, 2012 recommendations of the Child Protection Task Force created by Senate Resolution 250 of 2012. This bill is an addition to the Senate Protection package introduced in March 2012. Sen. Washington offered A3877 which is technical.

HB 388: Amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law to provide for the enforcement of delinquent property tax claims through judgment liens.

SB 22: This legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to increase the penalties in the Child Protective Services Law for failing to report suspected child abuse.

SB 23: Updates the definition of “perpetrator” and expands definition of “person responsible for a child’s welfare”. Sen. Baker offered A3642 that provides for the expungement of information of a perpertrator who was under 18.

SB 27: The legislation adds a new section to Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to allow the exchange of information between licensed medical practitioners and the Department of Public Welfare in cases stemming from the Child Protective Services Law.

SB 30: The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to provide for appeals of indicated reports and protection from false claims under the Child Protective Services Law. Sen. Mensch offered A3694 that provides for indicated reports of child abuse by the department and establishes an appeals process.

SB 31: The legislation amends Title 23 (Domestic Relations) to provide consistency of reports of the investigation of child abuse in accordance with the Child Protective Services Law specifically for school employees. Sen. Washington offered A3693 which is technical.

SB 33: The legislation provides that, if an individual or mandated reporter reported child abuse in good faith and was dismissed from their job as a result, the individual may commence action for appropriate relief. Sen. Mensch offered A3655 that exempts individuals who fail to report child abuse from whistleblower protection.

SB 1042: Amends the Clinical Laboratory Act, to require all clinical laboratories operating in the Commonwealth to be permitted by the Dept. of Health and clarifies that prohibited practices are applicable to both in-state and out-of-state licensed laboratories. Sen. Vance offered A3697 which is technical.

HB 89: This measure would repeal the DARE Registration plate and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Fund at the end of the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

HB 1481: Amends the Insurance Company Law by adding a new Article concerning risk management and own risk solvency assessments.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 9-23-13 and reported out the following bills:

HB 108: This bill reauthorizes the CHIP program through December 31, 2015. Sen. Corman offered A3392 that would eliminate the 6 month waiting period without insurance before the child could enroll in CHIP. The amendment and bill were approved unanimously.

HB 421: This legislation prohibits individuals from collecting unemployment compensation (U.C.) if they leave employment to preserve pension/retirement/annuity benefits. Sen. Gordner offered A3386 that conforms PA’s law with federal requirements. The amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported 25-1.

HB 1483: This legislation amends the Portable Electronics Insurance Act to require the insurer to provide 60 days notice to vendor policyholders and enrolled customers when terminating or altering a portable electronics insurance policy. Sen. Corman offered A3390 that clarifies the timeframe for which an insurance company can terminate a policy for nonpayment of premium. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-30-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1043: Amends the Fiscal Code to change various reporting requirements of information that is field with the Department of Revenue. Sen Pileggi offered A3021 which is the omnibus fiscal code amendment that is needed for budget implementation. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 465: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in realty transfer tax, further providing for definitions and for excluded transactions. Sen. Pileggi offered A3028 which is the omnibus tax code amendment that is needed for budget implementation. The amendment was adopted unanimously. Sen. Farnese offered A3092 that would ensure film tax credit companies make good on obligations to local vendors. The amendment failed 10-16. Sen. Blake offered A3158 that would allow all 3rd class cities and 2nd class A cities to participate in and compete for certain economic development programs. The amendment failed 10-16. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1141: Amends the Public School Code of 1949, providing for reopening of the school district annual budget. Sen. Corman offered A3190 that is the omnibus school code amendment that is needed for budget implementation. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-29-13 and reported out the following bills:

HB 25: Amends Title 42 (Judicial Code) and Title 57 (Notaries Public) in order to update the law regarding declarations and notaries public. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 163: Thi bill will amend Section 1302 of the County Code to allow counties to maintain the configuration of offices in effect in the county as long as the county deems appropriate. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1075: This legislation amends the Public Welfare Code to require counties to conduct ongoing efforts to find family for children who become involved with a county Children and Youth Agency. This bill also contains the language necessary for budgetary appropriations for the 2013-2014 fiscal year as well as the Medicaid expansion. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1437: This bill is the General Appropriations bill as passed by the House. It spends $100 million less than was proposed by the Governor for fiscal year 2013-14. Sen. Corman offered A3138 which places the $28.375 billion Republican agreed to budget. The amendment was adopted 16-10 along party lines. Democrats offered a series of amendments that were all defeated 10-16:

HB 1490: The legislation establishes a new budget and fee schedule approval process for the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s (PPA) taxicab and limousine operations modeled after the process followed by the Public Utility Commission. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-28-13 and reported out the following bills:

All bills were reported unanimously.

HB 784: Creates the Development Permit Extension Act and repeals identical language found in the Fiscal Code.

HB 1190: Amends the Health Care Facilities Act to permit the application of national accrediting standards for hospital licensure.

HB 1275: Appropriates fund from the Professional Licensure Augmentation
Account to the Department of State for the operation of the Bureau of Professional
and Occupational Affairs.

HB 1276: Appropriates funds from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small business Advocate in DCED.

HB 1277: Appropriates funds from State Employees Retirement Fund to provide for expenses of the State Employees Retirement Board.

HB 1278: Appropriates funds from the Public School Employees Retirement Fund to provide for expenses of the Public School Employees Retirement Board.

HB 1279: Appropriates funds from the Workmen’s Compensation Administration Fund to the Department to the Department of Labor and Industry and to the Office of Small Business Advocate.

HB 1280: Appropriates funds from the restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of Attorney General.

HB 1281: Appropriates funds from the revenue account within the General Fund to the PUC.

HB 1282: Appropriates funds for the restricted revenue accounts within the State
Gaming Fund to the PA Gaming Control Board, the Attorney General, the Department of Revenue and the PA State Police.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-26-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 725: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonprefered appropriation to the Pennsylvania State University for FY 2013-14. Sen. Corman offered A1588 which increases the appropriation by $2 million. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 726: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to the University of Pittsburgh for FY 2013-14. Sen. Corman offered A1587 that increases Ryraul Education Outreach by $217,000. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 727: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to Temple University for FY 2013-14. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 728: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to Lincoln University for FY 2013-14. Sen. Pileggi offered A2809 that increase the appropriation by $2 million. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 729: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to University of Pennsylvania for FY 2013-14. Sen Corman offered A2536 that increases Veterinary Activities by $111,000 and Center for Infectious Disease by $113,000. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 22: Amends the PA Commercial Code so that a “remittance transfer” will be governed by Section 4A of the Code. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 26: Amends the unemployment Compensation (U.C.) Law to establish the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, which will provide additional funding for the administration of the commonwealth’s U.C. system. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 602: Amends the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act by adding a new section to provide for the electronic tracking of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-25-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 360: This bill establishes the Pennsylvania Community College Affordability Task Force within the Department of Education. Sen. Mensch offered A1481 that changes the task force to an advisory council and alters the membership. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 914: This bill creates the Insurance Regulation and Oversight Fund and provides for its use. Sen. Corman offered A2601 which is technical. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported 25-1.

SB 1010: Amends Title 75 to make that milk producers mandate the route taken to and from a manufacturer of milk. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 82: Provides for actions for costs and care of seized animals. Sen. Greenleaf offered A2285 that makes technical changes allows a court to give permission to return a seized animal to an owner who is not charged with cruelty to animals. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 515: This legislation will amend the Municipal Planning Code requirements regarding meeting notifications involving the adoption of, or changes to, zoning ordinances, zoning maps, sub-division and land development ordinances and other similar ordinances. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1172: Amends The Local Tax Enabling Act, further providing for limitations on rates of specific taxes. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1325: The bill amends the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act to add definitions and to clarify requirements for permits and official plans. The bill was reported 22-4.

HB 1359: This legislation allows for the Perkiomen Valley School District and the Methacton School District to annually charge the Commonwealth for a fixed payment for tax-exempt forest land that bisects the two districts. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-17-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 57: This legislation amends the Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act concerning oral communication on a school bus or school vehicle. The bill was reported 25-1.

SB 137: Amends the Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act to modernize the licensure requirements for audiologists. Sen. Gordner offered A1618 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

SB 391: Expands the list of criminal offenses that are subject to expungement. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 428: Allows some of the residual funds from a beneficiary’s account within a pooled trust to be distributed upon their death to other individuals with disabilities in need of services. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 437: Permits a person who holds a military science certificate to teach in public schools. Sen. Corman offered A657 that clarifies that the provisions of the bill only apply to military science teaching certificates. The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

SB 1002: This is the bill for the Capital budget Act of 2013-2014. The bill was reported unanimously. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 326: Amends the County Code to increase the number of members of the governing board of a convention center authority in third class counties. . The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 493: Amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to address RCAP and provide for reduction in the Commonwealth’s debt. . The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 1124: Amends the Mortgage Licensing Act to bring Pennsylvania in compliance with federal regulations. Sen. Corman offered A2206 that provides an exemption from the licensing as mortgage originators for the employees of title insurance companies and certain securities broker-dealers. The amendment and bill were reported 26-0.

HB 1437: This is the General Appropriations bill as passed by the House. It spends $100 million less than was proposed by the Governor for fiscal year 2013-14. . The bill was reported 16-10 with the Democratic members voting against the bill.

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The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-10-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 305: Establishes uniform procedures for the disposition of contraband seized from a probationer or parolee and left in the possession of a probation or parole agency. Sen. Corman offered A0425 that would require county adult probation and control depts. And PA Board of Probation and Parole to itemize and retain possession of abandoned contraband until the Treasury Dept. provides a list of items that it will not accept into its custodial care. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 601: This bill would provide for the modernization of Commonwealth legal materials by requiring uniformity in the access, authentication, and preservation of this information. Sen. Scarnati offered A1624 that makes technical changes. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously

SB 700: Amends the Second Class County Port Authority Act, to remove the current board of directors, and replace them with new members appointed by a number of entities. The board membership is increased from 9 to 11. Additionally the bill directs the Department to study consolidation of regional local transportation organizations to reduce costs. Sen. Costa offered A0268 that would restructure the board appointments and provide a regional study. The amendment failed 10-16 and the bill was reported 16-10.

SB 928: Amends the UC Law to establish the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund to improve the UC service center system. Sen. Gordner offered A1730 that replaces funding amounts for 2015 and 2016 and makes technical corrections. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously

SB 977: This legislation will remove the 20 county limit from the Human Services Block Grant Pilot Program and will permit any county which satisfies the criteria established by the Department of Public Welfare to have the opportunity to benefit from this flexible funding.

HB 84: Amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to require inspections of agricultural easements to determine compliance with the applicable deed easement. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 6-3-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1: This bill amends Title 20, Title 74 and Title 75 in order to generate additional revenue for all modes of Transportation infrastructure within the Commonwealth. Sen. Rafferty offered A1769 that makes technical changes. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 738: This bill creates the Natural Gas Consumer Access Act which provides for distribution system extension and expansion plans to increase natural gas usage in the Commonwealth. Sen. Pileggi offered A1745 that requires a plan to include standards used to determine whether a customer is unable to comply with a repayment schedule and that the cost of expansion will not be passed on to the consumer. The amendment was adopted unanimously. Sen. Yudichak offered A1702 that establishes the natural gas utility Grant Fund which would be funded by a $3500 fee on each spud unconventional gas well. The amendment was defeated 10-16. The bill was passed unanimously.

SB 739: Amends the Alternative Energy Investment Act to provide $15 million for grants to schools, hospitals and small businesses to obtain access to natural gas. Sen. Pileggi offered A1690 that reduces funding from the high performance buildings program and provides new funding for natural gas expansion projects. Sen. Hughes offered A1757 that provides new CFA funding for clean energy projects within a transit revitalization investment district. Sen. Ferlo offered A1800 that expands eligibility for grants and loans for high performance buildings. The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 797: Makes changes to a number of Commonwealth statutes to bring PSERS into compliance with federal law governing military leaves of absence and PSERS credit. Sen. Farnese offered A1612 that makes technical changes and clarifies T-E and T-F members service. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 798: Clarifies that public school employees who take a leave of absence for active military are entitled to purchase retirement credit in PSERS. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 802: Amends the Boiler and Unifired Pressure Vessel Law to modernize the law and authorize private inspection of boilers and unfired pressure vessels. Sen. Corman offered A1616 that removes language providing for restricted accounts. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

HB 40: Replaces experience requirements for the issuance of a certified public accountant certificate. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 492: Amends the Crime Victims Act to permit a victim’s representative to provide testimony to the Board of Probation before the parole release decision. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-13-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 34: Establishes a comprehensive system under which professional educators are investigated and disciplined for misconduct in PA. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 46: Establishes a new section in the Public School Code to provide for school entities to complete an extensive employment review for applicants that have direct contact with children. Sen. Hughes offered A1472 that removes provisions requiring applicants to list all former employers subsequent to their 18th birthday or withing the last 10 years, it also includes independent contractors in the provisional hiring requirements and removes duplicative language. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 441: This bill establishes the State Board of Plumbing Contractors within the Department of Labor and Industry and creates the Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account in Treasury. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 526: This bill allows an Interstate or PA health certificate prepared by a veterinarian to be accepted as documentation to allow participation in a livestock show or exhibit. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 859: This bill amends Title 68 the Real and Personal Property statutes to expand from 7 to 10 years the rights of a condominium authority to set up a master association to run a condominium complex. Sen. Corman offered A1376 which makes technical changes. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously..

SB 867: This legislation will extend the expiration of Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act to December 31, 2018. Presently, it is set to expire on December 31, 2013. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 583: Authorizes PEMA to develop and share with counties cost saving measures related to the operation of public safety answering points. The bill was reported 25-1.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 5-6-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 579: The bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 by updating state police nomenclature, increasing the cap on the number of officers and enlisted members on state police force, and removing the requirement of underwater search teams. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 681: The legislation would provide victims of sexual violence a civil remedy requiring the offender to stay away from the victim as well as providing other appropriate relief. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 777: Amends the Juvenile Act to provide for the inter-agency sharing of juvenile records. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-29-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 59: This bill provides that county park police officers in Westmoreland County will be required to obtain the same training as municipal police officers. The county would also be liable for any costs associated with the training for certification. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 297: This legislation would amend the Unemployment Compensation Law to prevent an employee from collecting unemployment compensation if they leave work to preserve their pension. The bill was reported 24-1

SB 304: This bill modernizes the corporation law mainly by providing for more internet meetings and announcements of changes proposed by the corporation to stockholders. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 607: This bill provides standards for residential and penalties for non-compliance for carbon monoxide alarms and detection systems that are installed and maintained in residential and rental properties in accordance with National Fire Alarm and Signaling Codes and Standards. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 638: This bill exempts temporary structures used for agricultural purposes from the local property tax. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 689: The legislation would enable a court on its own motion, a party to a child-custody determination, or a prosecutor to order abduction prevention measures in a child custody proceeding where there is a credible risk of abduction. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 744: This bill to allows counties to maintain the configuration of its row offices when the county advances from a fifth to a fourth class county as a result of census figures. The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 124: This bill amends the Industrialized Housing Act (Act 70 of 1972) to require that DCED adopt regulations to administer a certification program to regulate the construction and installation standards of industrialized commercial building and modules. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-15-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 10: This bill amends the Public School Code to authorize the Office for Safe Schools to make grants to address school violence or enhance school security. Yhe bill was reported unanimously.

SB 37: Amends the Election Code to authorize the use of electronic voter registration applications. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 120: Amends the Election Code to require a political action committee or candidate that receives over $10,000 in contributions or has expenditures exceeding $10,000 in a calendar month to file a report electronically with the Department of State. Sen. Pileggi offered A0799 that raises the threshold for reporting requirements to $100,000 per calendar year, requires additional candidates and committees to file electronically and increases late filing fees. The amendment was readopted 22-4 and the bill was reported unanimously.

SB 303: The bill would exempt a family member from paying inheritance tax for the inheriting of a small business as long as the person inheriting the business maintains ownership for 7 years. Sen. Pileggi offered A0630 that makes technical corrections. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 308: Requires the Department of State to post on its Lobbyist Disclosure website all lobbying registration and reporting documents it receives within seven days of the filing. Sen. Scarnati offered A0836 that provides for mandatory electronic lobbyist registration filing beginning January 1, 2014. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 351: Amends the Municipalities Code to allow for the creation of municipal storm water authorities. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 680: This bill provides for the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2012-2013. Sens. Corman and Hughes offered 5 amendments that would itemize additional projects. The amendments and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 808: Amends the County Code for the abolishment of the office of jury commissioner. The bil

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 4-8-13 and reported out the following bills:

All bills and amendments were reported from committee unanimously.

SB 114: This bill requires a state agency, county, school district or municipality to notify subjects of a breach of personal information within a specific time.

SB 381: The bill clarifies that non-electronic “remittance transfers” continue to be subject to Article 4A of Pennsylvania’s Commercial Code.

SB 508: Amends the Crime Victims Act to permit a victim or victim’s representative to provide testimony before the person or body making the parole release decision.

SB 583: Amends the Economic Development Financing Law to increase the threshold by which contracts must be competitively bid. Sen. Corman offered A0610 that clarifies that the $18,500 base amount for purchases and contracts subject to adjustment for increases in the CPI.

SB 591: Increases the amount municipalities may receive from the Local Government Capital Project Loan Fund for equipment and facility loans.

SB 725: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to the Pennsylvania State University for fiscal year 2013 – 14.

SB 726: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to the University of Pittsburgh for fiscal year 2013 – 14.

SB 727: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to Temple University for fiscal year 2013 – 14.

SB 728: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to Lincoln University for fiscal year 2013 – 14.

SB 729: Provides for the Commonwealth’s nonpreferred appropriation to the University of Pennsylvania for fiscal year 2013 – 14.

HB 2: Amends the Public School Code establishing a special education funding commission to develop a special education funding formula and a related system of accountability.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-18-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 4: This bill amends the Constitution to insure that the General Assembly alone may determine the qualifications of a purely public charity. The bill was reported 19-7.

SB 5: This bill establishes the Community-Based Health Care Subsidy (CHCS) Program in the Department of Health. Sen. Corman offered a technical amendment A00365. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 155: The bill would provide an exemption from the current requirement for rabies vaccination of dogs and cats if a veterinarian deems the vaccination is medically damaging to the health and safety of the animal. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 193: This bill requires school nurses not CPR-certified by a Department of Health-approved certifying agent by July 1, 2013 to complete this training within one year. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 196: This bill amends the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act to change definitions so storm water projects for nonpoint sources may be eligible for financial assistance. Sen. Corman offered A00325 that clarifies definitions for consistency with both state and federal funding eligibility requirements. The bill and amendment were reported unanimously.

SB 623: This legislation provides an exemption from the standard licensing requirement for those individuals participating in a mentored hunting program. This would allow the Commission to expand the mentored hunting program to include adults. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 644: This legislation changes the definition of wild animals to exclude any species or variation of swine, pig or boar held in captivity. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 680: This bill provides for the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2012-2013. The bill was reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 3-11-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 83: Authorizes the use of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) upon certain state highways and local roadways. Sen. Greenleaf offered A092 which is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 99: This legislation amends Title 2 (Administrative Law and Procedure) to add provisions which will consolidate Pennsylvania’s documents law together in a concise and coordinated manner. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 371: This bill 371 repeals the Savings Association Code and requires savings associations regulated under that act to become regulated savings banks. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 470: This bill establishes the Special Education funding Commission to make recommendations related to special education funding. The bill was reported 25-1.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 2-11-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 302: This bill amends the County Code to establish eligibility requirements for a county Directors of Veterans’ Affairs. Sen. Baker offered A132 that is technical. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

SB 333: This bill amends the State Constitution to eliminate the Philadelphia Traffic Court. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 334: This bill amends the Judicial Code to transfer the responsibilities of the Philadelphia Traffic Court to the Philadelphia Municipal Court. Sen. Pileggi offered A161 that is technical in nature. The amendment and bill were reported unanimously.

The Senate Appropriations Committee met on 2-4-13 and reported out the following bills:

SB 150: This bill modernizes and reforms the administration, application and use of the Pennsylvania State DNA Database. Sen. Pileggi offered A112 that makes technical changes. The amendment was agreed to. Sen. Hughes offered A109 that mandates the State Police to create and provide and expungement procedure informational pamphlet to arrestees whose DNA sample has been taken. The amendment was adopted 17-9. The bill was reported from committee 25-1.